The 3-2 win over Swansea moves Everton up to fifth in the Premier League table but Martinez has refused to give up on sneaking a Champions League place.

He said: “Our aim is to get as many points as we can. I feel Champions League football is going to be 71 points and that’s our target.

“You’re going to get surprises.

“We’re trying to get as close to those numbers as we can.

“You’re not going to be able to play fantastically well in every game, the reality is you need to find the margins to win football games and when you win without being at your best is a real sign of what we’ve got at the football club.”

If the Blues were to remain in fifth they would be destined for the Europa League.

The much-maligned competition has been blamed for hampering many sides’ domestic campaigns, including opponents Swansea, but Martinez does not believe it has to be a poisoned chalice for his club.